Time marches on, and so does TPPC. Here are some Advent-related updates for events that will occur the next couple of weeks.

• TPPC will be collecting new toys to distribute to needy families who live in rent-reduced affordable housing owned and managed by Montgomery Housing Partnership in Takoma Park and surrounding areas in time for Christmas. The new toy collection will take place Sunday, December 19 - just bring a new toy with you to worship and place it in one of the toy drive boxes at the rear of the sanctuary. They do not need to be wrapped; they will be picked up on Monday, December 21 in time to get them wrapped and to needy families in time for Christmas.

• We will be Christmas Caroling at the Takoma Park Gazebo on Sunday, December 19 at 3 PM. Carolers meet will at the Gazebo at 3 PM. We will share fellowship and snacks afterward.

• The Ministry of Worship is providing an opportunity for us to purchase a real poinsettia plant to decorate our sanctuary on Christmas Eve, or a virtual poinsettia to remind us of life in lockdown. Either a real or a virtual plant may be dedicated in honor of someone or in memory of someone. More information, as well as an online order form and an opportunity to support our demonination’s Christmas Joy Offering, is available on the Christmas Poinsettia page. The deadline for orders is December 19th.

• There will be a multi-generational Christmas pageant as part of the Christmas Eve service at 5 pm on Friday, December 24. This will be a hybrid service, with an in-person service broadcast over Zoom. Anyone interested in participating or helping with the organization can contact Pastor Mark Harper at markharper@takomaparkpc.org.

In addition, the 23rd Annual Alternative Gift Fair will be held virtually this year. The fair has traditionally been held at Takoma Park Presbyterian Church. One of the church mission partners, Small Things Matter, is participating in the fair.

You can shop online from Sunday, November 21 through Monday, January 3, 2022. View their vendors and get more information at http://aggw.org.